Pregnancy is a unique immunological state that generally protects the fetus, but susceptibility during pregnancy to various infections has been observed. In parasitic infections, such as malaria and toxoplasmosis, increased host susceptibility and microbial virulence during pregnancy have been reported (Piao et al., 2018; Tuikue Ndam et al., 2018). Pregnancy is also associated with increased susceptibility to viral infections, including influenza virus, hepatitis E virus, herpes simplex virus, and Zika virus (ZIKV) (Kourtis et al., 2014; Silasi et al., 2015). Infectious mechanisms vary, and some involve the placenta and membranes while others could impact the fetus through immunological perturbations. ZIKV is an epidemic-causing pathogen transmissible through Aedes mosquitoes, sexual contact, and transplacental transfer (Paz-Bailey et al., 2019). Transplacental ZIKV transmission causes congenital Zika syndrome characterized by birth anomalies, including microcephaly, brain damage, ocular defects, and neuromuscular impairments (Mawson, 2016). ZIKV targets peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), particularly monocytes and, to a lesser extent, dendritic cells (Foo et al., 2017; Michlmayr et al., 2017). These circulating cells may facilitate ZIKV delivery to the placenta (Michlmayr